A minor upswing to close the season couldn't save Lou Anarumo's job.
The Cincinnati Bengals fired the defensive coordinator on Monday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source informed of the situation.
Coach Zac Taylor confirmed the news during a Monday press conference.
"He's been a big reason why we've had a lot of success," Taylor . "Just felt like we needed to perform better as a football team."
Anarumo had been the Bengals' DC since 2019.
The 58-year-old had interviewed for head coaching gigs in previous cycles but saw his defense spiral in 2023 and 2024 after losing several key contributors over the past few seasons -- including the likes of Jessie Bates, D.J. Reader, etc.
The Bengals were a sieve this past year, particularly early in the season, as Cincy dug a big hole to open the campaign, including losing multiple shootouts. The Bengals gave up 24-plus points nine times in their first 12 games.
The defense closed better as Cincinnati went on a five-game win streak to end the season, including giving up a season-low 193 total yards and 119 pass yards to Pittsburgh in Week 18, but it wasn't enough for Anarumo to keep his job.
Given his standing and the fact that he'd helped the club reach Super Bowl LVI, Anarumo could be scooped up by another organization this offseason.
